The Authors of Boom, Gloom and the New Normal

Paul Hodges is a trusted adviser to major companies and the investment community.His “ICIS Chemicals and the Economy” blog has been widely recognised for its success in correctly forewarning its readers of the global financial crisis.As Chairman of International eChem, he brings Creative Energy to Important Issues in the areas of:

Refining/petrochemicals interface.  Understanding the new global balance for olefins and aromatics, caused by changing feedstock and gasoline markets.

Restructuring.  Leading the development and implementation of strategies to achieve successful business turnarounds.

Sustainability.  Introducing new Resource Management concepts in the supply chain to reduce plant operating costs.

Business development.  Taking a commercial lead to help companies enter new markets quickly and profitably.

NiTech Solutions Ltd. Paul is also non-executive Chairman of this leading-edge technology spin-out from Heriot Watt University, Scotland.

Prior to launching IeC in 1995, Paul spent 17 years with Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), both in England and the USA, where he held senior executive positions in petrochemicals and chloralkali, and was Executive Director of a $1 billion ICI business.

He judges the annual ICIS Global Innovation Awards, is a founder member of the Advisory Board for ‘ICIS Chemical Business’, and a Freeman of the City of London.

Paul is a graduate of the University of York, and subsequently studied with the IMD business school in Switzerland.

   John Richardson is a highly experienced business journalist, who has been covering the Asian region for over 15 years.  He has deep knowledge of the companies and people who have transformed the region into the world’s major production and consumption region.His aim is to provide insightful, factually based analysis of the key issues facing the industry.  His views are highly valued by senior executives, who appreciate his balanced and independent approach.

Since 2006, John has been Director, ICIS training Asia, in which role he has successfully launched the ICIS training business in Asia.

This now provides a wide range of courses covering petrochemicals, oil refining, fertilisers and base oils.

His Asian Chemical Connections blog has a wide regional and global readership.

He also writes regularly for ICIS Insight and ICIS Chemical Business.

Previously John was editor of Asian Chemical News from 2000-5, and deputy editor from 1997-2000.

Prior to joining ICIS in 1997, he had roles working for both the BBC and the UK national press.